Sean Parnell on Environment

Alaska is not just one big national park; keep EPA out

Unfortunately, there are those in Washington who view our land differently. Years of misinformation and lobbying have convinced some bureaucrats that Alaska is just one big national park, with no room for economic growth. In some cases, the Environmental
Protection Agency will no longer issue permits unless businesses first reach agreement with environmental organizations. In effect, the EPA has outsourced its permitting function to a stakeholder with a political agenda.

Source: Alaska 2012 State of the State Address
, Jan 18, 2012

Invest in natural resources: fishing, mining, and timber

Outside of oil and gas, we will foster a climate that cultivates investment in Alaska's other natural resources. We are blessed to live in a land that provides many ways to earn a living. Alaska offers the world's best seafood. We will sustainably
manage our fisheries for future generations. Fishing is part of Alaska's history. It is part of Alaska's future. And we will keep it strong.

Alaska also has a vibrant mining industry that supports more than 5,500 jobs, and this is only scratching the
surface of the potential. Indeed, Alaska has many deposits of untapped rare earth elements. These minerals are critical to America's security and economy. My budget includes almost $3 million for an assessment of rare earths.

The timber industry also has deep roots in Alaska. I am proud to report that we expanded the Southeast State Forest, because when we open more land for timber, we open more opportunity and more jobs for Alaskans.

Don't leave Alaska's oil buried in the ground

We have been pumping from the same fields for 30-plus years. With so much oil in the ground that you own, and that we count on for essential public services, I refuse to stand by and leave
Alaskans' treasure buried in the ground.

Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5930
, Oct 22, 2011

Oil and gas production means jobs for Americans

Many thoughtful Americans are deeply troubled at what is now almost a $15 trillion federal debt. We are concerned about the future of our republic. And yet, the solution is right in front of us. We can regain our economic footing through producing more
American energy. To boil it down to one simple truth: More American oil and gas production means jobs. And jobs translate into stable communities, vibrant states, and a strong nation.

Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5926
, Oct 22, 2011

Explore & extract rare earth elements in Alaska

We want to stress that with the right investment and regulatory climate, Alaska has the potential to become a fresh and stable source of rare earth elements. Earlier this year, I called for collaboration in funding a strategic assessment of rare earth
elements so we can learn how Alaska can help meet America's needs. Advancing rare earth element exploration and production lessens our dependence on foreign supplies and helps diversify Alaska's economy.

Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5915
, Oct 22, 2011

Support timber industry by increasing land for logging

Adding land to the Southeast State Forest will allow the Division of Forestry to manage the land to increase long-term timber supply for local processors and wood energy needs.
This will provide much-need jobs in the thinning, harvest and milling stages of logging.

Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5885
, Oct 22, 2011

Natural resources are to be used; not locked up by feds

We are under an unprecedented assault by federal agencies and environmental groups to lock up Alaska's resources.
I appreciate the Legislature strongly protecting Alaska's interests and promoting a future of economic growth.

Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5733
, Oct 22, 2011

Continued desire to harvest timber

The new task force will focus on developing recommendations that will lead to new jobs in the timber industry.

The task force will focus on reasonable approaches and recommendations to grow jobs and foster economic development--particularly in
traditional timber harvesting from federal, state, and private lands. While we will continue to pursue federal timber sales for traditional harvest, I look forward to receiving task force recommendations that will focus more on state efforts.

Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #5772
, May 5, 2011

AK statehood was a mandate for resource development

When nearly 50,000 Alaskans cast their ballots for statehood in 1958, Governor Hickel said they "signed a contract. They didn't just say 'yes' to statehood. They agreed to the terms of statehood. And, that contract cannot be changed without the consent o
both parties." The federal government's expectation, its terms, were that together we Alaskans would develop our resources, build our own economic system, and become largely self-sustaining. We did just that, by logging our timber, mining our minerals an
metals, exploring for oil and gas, and harvesting seafood from our waters. These are the engines of our economy: past, present, and future. But today, the federal government owns 240 million acres, almost two-thirds, of Alaska's 371 million acres, and
Uncle Sam has posted a virtual "Keep Out" sign on those lands. This is contrary to the federal government's promise, made not so long ago, that Alaska's resources would be available to economically support the people of this great land.

Feds misuse ESA listings to delay resource development

The federal government's actions often seem at war with Alaskan interests. The federal government has misused the Endangered Species Act as a regulatory weapon to delay development of Alaska's resources. Now, they have proposed setting aside an area
larger than the state of California as critical habitat for polar bears. I strongly oppose such overreactive ESA listings and critical habitat designations. These are job killers and beyond the feds authority.